Canadiens News

Mission possible?

MONTREAL – They’ve done it before, but can the Canadiens do it one more time.

FEELING QUEASY?

A No.8 seed has upset a No. 1 seed eight times

Year

Victim

Spoiler

Series Result

2009

4-2

2006

4-2

2002

4-2

2000

4-3

1999

4-3

1998

4-2

1995

4-2

1994

4-3

Where were you eight years ago? Alex Ovechkin was in high school and the Canadiens were busy doing what they hope to do the Capitals Wednesday night—eliminating the top seed in the East.

Despite finishing well behind the Bruins in 2001-02, the Habs still managed to turn the tables on the B’s, unceremoniously bouncing Boston in six games. Riding the emotional high of Saku Koivu’s triumphant return from cancer and stellar goaltending from MVP-in-waiting Jose Theodore, the Habs became the sixth No. 8 team to defeat a top seed since the NHL moved to a conference playoff system in 1994.

Only two teams have done it since that upstart Habs squad shocked the NHL, including the Oilers in 2006 and the Ducks last spring.

If the Canadiens do eliminate the Capitals on Wednesday night, they will join the Sharks as the only teams to boast more than one upset of all upsets, with San Jose turning the trick in both 1994 and 2000.

Of the 31 battles waged between No. 1 and No. 8 seeds over the years, the underdog has come out on top 25.8% of the time.